Women in Calgary's music scene take centre stage ahead of International Women's Day

👉 Click Here to read in detail 👈

Article content

Women in Calgary’s music scene took centre stage on Monday at an event promoting equity and inclusion in the city’s music industry.

Article content

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

Try refreshing your browser, ortap here to see other videos from our team.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

Try refreshing your browser, ortap here to see other videos from our team.

Article content

The event, hosted by Mayor Jyoti Gondek ahead of International Women’s Day on Saturday, celebrated the contributions of women in the local music scene while advocating for continued efforts to increase gender representation.

Article content

Advertisement 1

Story continues below

This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

Article content

“I thought it was important to really profile what’s happening in the music scene and to amplify the voices of women that are taking on so many different roles in music, whether they’re performing or they’re producing or they’re journalists,” Gondek said.

Article content

Noon News Roundup

Your weekday lunchtime roundup of curated links, news highlights, analysis and features.

By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.

Thanks for signing up!

A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.

The next issue of Noon News Roundup will soon be in your inbox.

Article content

“It’s important to hear the voices of women to see what’s going well, what obstacles they’re still facing and to really hone in on the fact that the success of women in music is actually going to drive the success of our economy.”

Article content

Calgary singer/songwriter Kate Stevens emphasized that the city’s music scene extends beyond its country and folk roots, with growing recognition for hip-hop, R&B, jazz and classical music.

Article content

“Calgary is a music city,” Stevens said. “There are so many talented and incredible musicians here.

Article content

“We don’t need to go to the (U.S.),” she added.

Article content

While “lots of strides” have been made, Stevens indicated that challenges remain for women in the historically male-dominated industry.

Article content

Advertisement 2

Story continues below

This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

View more offers

Article content

“Sometimes I still get asked, ‘Are you the merch girl? Are you the girlfriend?’ when my name is right there on the poster,” she said. “Small things (like that) still happen that don’t feel great, but we’ve made lots of strides in our music scene.”

Article content

Stevens stressed the importance of having supportive and accessible venues, recalling difficulties finding stages where she could perform early in her career.

Article content

“I was playing farmers’ markets … anywhere that would really let me,” she said. “Opening up spaces is super important.”

Article content

The Calgary-based musician described how a growing number of performance venues in the city has made it easier for women to break through in the industry, easing a scarcity mindset facing many women.

Article content

“We are (still) wanting a piece of this pie, but we’ve just made the pie bigger in Calgary,” Stevens said, referring to the uptick in opportunities for musicians.

Article content

Gondek emphasized the importance of strengthening Calgary’s music ecosystem for artists and the local music industry as a whole. She pointed to homegrown stars such as Tate McRae, Tegan and Sara and Jann Arden as proof of Calgary’s potential and highlighted the need to showcase emerging artists early so more women can find success in the industry.

Article content

“Calgary is home to many talented artists who have broken barriers and paved the way for future generations,” Gondek said in a statement. “By celebrating their achievements and supporting their journeys, we can encourage young girls to follow their passions and make their mark in the music industry.”

Article content

Advertisement 1

This advertisement has not loaded yet.

👉 Click Here to read in detail 👈

Miatamil

Listed here the latest Trending News